Changes coming to signs in Sioux Falls

Windows, boulevards signs being considered

Nov. 14, 2012

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Sioux Falls officials are rethinking some of the proposed changes to the city’s sign ordinance.

The changes, which will be voted on by the City Council early next year, call for allowing temporary signs in boulevards and restricting the size of window signs at businesses. But feedback received so far has both elements up for discussion, said Jeff Schmitt, the city’s chief planning and zoning official.

“We still need public comment on where (temporary) signs should be allowed, what should be allowed,” Schmitt said during a presentation Wednesday for more than two dozen Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce members. “It’s up for discussion, what makes sense and what works for the public.”

The goal was to educate members about proposed changes so there are no surprises when the ordinance goes into effect, said Bob O’Connell, public affairs and communications director for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. The presentation will be available on the city’s website. Schmitt also encouraged people to call the planning office, schedule a meeting or send an email to discuss the proposed changes.

The changes have been in the works for two years as part of a major overhaul to the city’s 1983 zoning ordinance. Overall, the revised sign ordinance would allow more types of signs and bigger signs and make the code more consistent.

Temporary signs and window signs have proved to be two of the more challenging aspects, Schmitt said.

The Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire hopes to find a compromise that would allow temporary boulevard signs because it’s the main marketing tool for Parade of Homes events and the best way to ensure people can find the houses, executive vice president Julie Terrell said.

The proposed changes would allow for the temporary signs in the boulevard, but Schmitt said a number of people are concerned about having the signs in the public right of way and would rather see them in front yards, which are private property. Terrell said having the Parade of Homes signs on the boulevard is necessary, especially in new housing developments, so people know where to turn.

Schmitt also said the chamber is asking the city to reconsider limits on window signs — which include signs on the outside and inside and signs painted on windows. Proposed changes would allow businesses to cover up to 25 percent of windows without a permit and up to 50 percent of windows with a permit.

“The chamber is saying that’s not enough,” Schmitt said. “What’s your number? It can’t be 100 percent, and it has to be more than zero.”

Developer Steve Van Buskirk said signs are a big piece of the zoning ordinance, and proposed changes modernize the code and would create more tasteful signage throughout the city.

Changes also would allow more options for businesses, said Catherine Forsch, the YWCA’s director of marketing.

“It sounds like this will make it more uniform for all of us,” she said, adding that often, calls for clarification can lead to two different answers. “We’re trying to follow the rules. This will make it more consistent.”